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How to Remove Water Spots from a Vehicle: Keep your Car Looking New

Water spots on a vehicle can be a real eyesore.

Not only are they ugly, but they can negatively impact your car wash's success.

We at Turtle Wax Pro have decades of experience supporting operators within the car wash industry, and understand how challenging and inconvenient those water spots can be.

Today, we will discuss the best methods for removing hard water spots from a vehicle, for both the home washer and the professional car wash.

What are Water Spots?

Water spots are caused by minerals dissolved within water remaining on a vehicle's surface after the water dries. This is especially the case for hard water, which is water that contains high levels of minerals. When hard water dries on a surface, the minerals are left behind and can create stubborn water stains.  Soft water on the other hand does not contain as high levels of minerals but can still leave water spots, especially if the vehicle is not dried properly.

How do Water Spots affect cars?

Water spots can be harmful to cars because in extreme cases, they can etch marks into the vehicle's clear coat, causing damage to it.

Water spots can also make it difficult to completely remove other dirt and debris off of the vehicle.

Ultimately, they worsen a car's appearance, even right after getting a wash.

Customers expect their car to look shiny and clean after they get their car washed, but if they see a bunch of spots, they will not be pleased.

Car being washed

How to remove water spots from car?

There are multiple methods to remove water spots from vehicles.

First we'll cover the DIY method we believe works the best, then professional options for car wash business.

DIY

A popular DIY method is to use a white vinegar and water solution.

To make this solution, mix one part vinegar with one part water. Then, apply the solution to the water spots using a microfiber towel or sponge.

Let the vinegar sit on the spots for a few minutes before rinsing it off with clean, distilled water. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get rid of all the spots.

Pro

If you are a professional, you have access to more powerful chemicals and tools that can operate as water spot removers.

We recommend using a car wash presoak or other formulations that will help break down the minerals' adhesion to the vehicle. A final rinse with purified reverse osmosis water will remove any remaining water that has dissolved solids (which could dry and leave future water spots).

A detailing shop can utilize even more hands-on approaches: for more stubborn and older spots, you can use a clay bar or a polishing pad.

These products will get rid of the water spots. However, you should be careful not to damage the body panel while using these products.

Vinegar can still be used in conjunction with these options.

Car with clear windows

Items you will need to remove water spots from a car

A professional car wash harnesses chemistry, reverse osmosis water, and powerful car wash equipment to remove and prevent hard water spots after the wash.

Thus, we'll focus on the home car washer.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is water that has been filtered to remove impurities.

It is the best type of water to use for rinsing as those water spots were originally formed by water that had minerals in them.

White Vinegar

Vinegar is an acidic liquid that can break down minerals. As, established, it is a popular choice for removing water spots as it is relatively gentle and will not damage the paint on your car.

Spray Bottle

A spray bottle can be used for the vinegar and water solution you can create to combat those tough water spots!

Sponge or Microfiber towel

You will need something to first wet the car's paintwork.  

Car Wash Detergent

You will want to wash your car first, to get rid of the dirt and swirl marks currently on the vehicle, allowing you to focus on those water spots.

Step by Step

  1. First, wet your car, especially over the area with the markings with a sponge or microfiber towels. Take notice if ringlets appear around the spots or it feels rough, this indicates the more severe form of mineral deposits.
  2. Next, wash the car using your car wash soap of choice to remove road grime and dirt. If your water spots are new, its possible they will come off in this stage.
  3. Mix equal amounts of vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle, and apply the solution to areas with water spots.
  4. Allow the vinegar to sit on the hard water stains for a few minutes.
  5. Rinse the area with a garden hose and wipe off the mineral deposits.
  6. For best results, rinse with distilled or reverse osmosis water before drying.

If you want to prevent water spots, here are some things to note:

Acid Rain

Acid rain can leave an unattractive look to vehicles, especially on glass.

Try to keep your car in a garage or covered when possible to avoid getting these spots on your windows.

Direct Sunlight when Wet

When your car is wet and in direct sunlight, water spots can form quickly as the water evaporates.

If you cannot avoid getting your car wet and being in the sun, try to dry it off as soon as possible by using a drying towel or cloth.

Sea Air

Cars that are regularly driven near the ocean will experience more water spot formation due to the salt in the air.

Wash and dry your car more frequently if you live near the ocean to avoid these spots.

Car being washed


Q&A: Here are some common questions that you may have regarding water spots

Are water spots permanent?

No, hard water spots can be removed with the right method.

A number of different methods will work such as professional car wash products or regular white vinegar! Most car washes will remove car washes as part of the presoak application, and during the final rinse, will use softened or reverse osmosis water that will prevent more spots upon drying.

Will using vinegar on my vehicle damage the surface?

No, white vinegar is a weak acid and will not damage your paint or clear coat. In fact, a water and vinegar solution can be used as a polishing agent, and can be a great solution for removing water spots from home.

However, you should avoid using it on aluminum or chrome surfaces as it may cause corrosion.

Can water spots damage a car's paint?

No, water spots will not damage the paint on your car.

However, if you allow them to sit for a long time without cleaning them, they may make etch marks into the clear coat which will then require polishing or buffing to remove.

Turtle Wax Pro Car Wash
Turtle Wax Pro operator, Halo Car Wash in Stratford, ON


Professional Car Washes and Hard Water Spots

Is hard water bad for car washing?

Yes, hard water is bad for car washing as it can leave spots on your paint and ruin the quality of your wash! The mineral deposits in the water can cause all sorts of trouble for car wash equipment, efficacy of chemistry, and the end results on the vehicle.

How can I fix my hard water?

The best way to fix hard water is to use a softener or reverse osmosis system... or a combination of the two. We have a guide that will walk you through your possible courses of action against hard water.

Car being washed at Wett Car Wash in West Chicago, IL

Hard Water Spots impacting your car wash success? Contact Turtle Wax Pro

As mentioned, water spots can really ruin the end result an otherwise great car wash, and is something your business will want to resolve.

Spraying cars with vinegar is a great at-home solution, but the professional car wash has more powerful options through chemistry that wash off spots, as well as road grime and other unpleasant residues on the vehicle.

Using chemistry that's tough on inorganic materials will help do the heavy lifting against the mineral deposit buildups found in water spots. Finally, a reverse osmosis final rinse will make sure new spots don't form on the car's surface.

Turtle Wax Pro has some of the best chemicals in the industry and can help your car wash handle even the toughest of cleaning challenges, including dealing with inconvenient hard water spots, and help prevent new ones from forming too.

Contact us today to learn how Turtle Wax Pro can help your business shine!

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